On November 9, at a UN Security Council meeting, China's Permanent Representative Sun Lei delivered a statement in which Beijing reaffirmed its support for diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. The diplomat called the current moment a “critically important stage for resolving the situation in Ukraine through negotiations” and urged the international community to facilitate the trilateral consultations scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi. The address came amidst preparations for a working meeting between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US, where discussions on post-war security agreements, de-escalation, and humanitarian issues are planned.
“Prioritizing Human Lives”
Sun Lei identified three key directions that, according to him, should determine the future dynamics of the settlement. First, the Chinese side insists on the observance of humanitarian norms and de-escalation. The diplomat welcomed the latest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the humanitarian mission in Oleshky, and urged the parties to “prioritize human lives, remain calm, and exercise restraint,” with a particular focus on protecting civilians, including women and children.
Beijing’s Three Priorities on the Ukrainian Issue
Second, Sun Lei declared the need to “strengthen the desire for peace and seize the opportunity for negotiations,” calling on interested parties to “meet each other halfway” and maintain positive momentum. The PRC hopes that the international community will create a “favorable atmosphere for peace negotiations.” Third, the Chinese diplomat stressed that to achieve a lasting peace, it is necessary to “eliminate the root causes of the crisis,” adding a formula that has become a hallmark of Chinese rhetoric: “there are no winners in conflicts and wars.”
Xi Jinping’s “Four Points” and Shuttle Diplomacy
Emphasizing the consistency of Beijing’s position, Sun Lei referred to the “four points” proposed by PRC President Xi Jinping and stated that China is “actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy,” maintaining close contacts with all involved parties, including Russia and Ukraine. According to the diplomat, the PRC is ready to continue efforts together with the international community to promote a political settlement of the crisis.
Context: Abu Dhabi and the Announced Visit of Trump
China's statement came on the eve of specific diplomatic events: on November 10–11, working-level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia regarding post-war security, de-escalation, and humanitarian aspects will take place in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the US. In parallel, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to visit China next week, where meetings with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are possible to discuss a wide range of topics. Thus, the speech at the UN Security Council became part of a coordinated diplomatic effort aimed at creating conditions for a political resolution of the conflict.
